First Shift Program
Launched in 2012, Grow the Game is a global initiative to add 1 million new players the game of hockey by 2022, with Canada serving as the starting point of those efforts. Hockey in Canada has experienced historically low participation growth rates over the last few years, and today approximately 90% of Canadian families and their children choose not to play hockey.
The goal is to change the way hockey is offered. Because we believe in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our community, First Shift, and it’s follow-along, Second Shift, have been designed to break down barriers to entry by offering a program that is accessible, affordable, and most importantly, FUN
The Mississauga Hockey League, in partnership with Bauer and Hockey Canada, has offered this program since 2014. Starting in the 2019-2020 season, First Shift has been offered by our 6 Area Association partners (Applewood, Erindale, Heartland, Lorne Park Clarkson, Meadowvale and Port Credit). For 2022-24, the Area Associations will again be offering the First Shift program across Mississauga. Details are outlined below and registration, commencing on June 1st, 2023, can be done at https://www.firstshift.ca/locations/on/.
Applewood Coyotes |
Erindale Spitfires |
Heartland Dragons |
Lorne Park Clarkson Wild |
Meadowvale Hawks |
Port Credit Storm |
|
Welcome Event | Sat Oct 14, 2023 | Sat Oct 14, 2023 | Sat Oct 14, 2023 | Sun Oct 15, 2023 | Sun Oct 15, 2023 | Sun Oct 15, 2023 |
11:00am | 3:00pm | 1:00pm | 1:00pm | Time tba | Time tba | |
Tomken Arena | Tomken Arena | Tomken Arena | Tomken Arena | Tomken Arena | Tomken Arena | |
On-Ice Sessions (6 in total) |
Oct 28/29 – Dec 2/3 | Oct 28/29 – Dec 2/3 | Oct 28/29 – Dec 2/3 | Oct 28/29 – Dec 2/3 | Oct 28/29 – Dec 2/3 | Oct 28/29 – Dec 2/3 |
Time | tba | tba | tba | tba | tba | 4:00pm |
Venue Name | tba | Erin Mills Twin Arena | Paramount Fine Foods Centre |
Clarkson Arena | Meadowvale 4-Rinks |
Huron Park Arena |
Venue Address | tba | 3205 Unity Dr. | 5500 Rose Cherry Place | 2475 Truscott Dr. | 2160 Torquay Mews | 830 Paisley Blvd. W. |
Cost for the program is $299 and includes a full set of equipment (from Bauer), and six weeks of on-ice training.
The Welcome Event (as referenced above) is very important to attend as this is when your child will be fitted for, and receive his or her equipment. It’s also an opportunity to meet some folks from Hockey Canada, Bauer, and the MHL Area Association who will be putting on the on-ice sessions for your players.
So, if you have a child (or know a child), aged 6-10, who might be interested in giving hockey a try, has never played organized hockey before, and you’re a Mississauga resident, let’s get you signed up!
Further details re the First Shift program can be found at firstshift.ca.